Malta is a haven for lovers of prehistory with twenty three known sites of archaeological interest the earliest of which dates back to 3.800 to 3.600 BC. Most probably these temples were built in the shape of an obese figure which archaeologists have termed as "the goddess of fertility". Statues of this goddess, in various positions sometimes naked, sometimes adorned with pleated skirts, have beer found at various prehistoric sites such as the Tarxien Temples and the famous Hypogeum of Hal Saflieni which has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Amongst the most spectacular temples one finds Hagar Qim (literally Upright Stones) in the limits of Qrendi and Ggantija (the Giants 'Temple) in Xaghra, Gozo. These temples in particular were made of huge megaliths some of which weighing tonnes.
One can hardly speak about Malta without mentioning the way in which the traditional festas are carried out because during the festa week, the village is at its best. The narrow winding streets and square are decked with colourful decorations since it is from these streets that the statue of the patron saint is proudly paraded amidst the joyful playing of festive marches.
The discerning visitor knows that Malta has much more to offer other than sandy beaches and sky-blue seas. Luckily, the islands have not as yet been caught up by the hectic lifestyles of major cities. In a way, time flows at a slower pace and, if one is lucky, in certain villages one may still see an old barefooted shepherd walking towards meadows with a herd of goats or sheep. The honey-coloured flat-roofed buildings, the fields enclosed by rubble-walls and the richly-adorned baroque churches and wayside chapels give Malta its unique distinctive feature. It's an island with which it is very difficult not to fall in love.
General information sourced from "Island Travel Yearbook", published by Island Publications
